Hi all,
I've done some searching on the site (for: unpaid, etc) and can't seem to find this question answered (although I'm sure it is). If it is, and I'm just blind, paste a link and I'll leave you all alone.
I've just finished a PhD in Jazz composition and realized I love writing. I'm interested in turning some of my dissertation topics into articles, but two of the top mags in my field have a no pay policy (on one, if they like it enough to include in print publication, they'll pay you then, but you first publish it for free on their website). Another doesn't state a submission policy and has been slow in answering a query as to the proper procedure to querying.
These are the top three in a very small field.
Question: Is it expected/normal to start a writing career for free and when you have some online presence start pushing for money?
As for lacking a degree, I've studied with a New York Times music critic (one of their few full-time employees) and when I asked what I need to do to pursue writing for that level of paper, he said that my writing is fine, I just need to do it. So now I'm ready to do it. Just wondering what the next step is. (And I'm out of contact with him. Otherwise I'd be bothering him right now!).
Thanks for any help you can offer to a clueless musician
I've done some searching on the site (for: unpaid, etc) and can't seem to find this question answered (although I'm sure it is). If it is, and I'm just blind, paste a link and I'll leave you all alone.
I've just finished a PhD in Jazz composition and realized I love writing. I'm interested in turning some of my dissertation topics into articles, but two of the top mags in my field have a no pay policy (on one, if they like it enough to include in print publication, they'll pay you then, but you first publish it for free on their website). Another doesn't state a submission policy and has been slow in answering a query as to the proper procedure to querying.
These are the top three in a very small field.
Question: Is it expected/normal to start a writing career for free and when you have some online presence start pushing for money?
As for lacking a degree, I've studied with a New York Times music critic (one of their few full-time employees) and when I asked what I need to do to pursue writing for that level of paper, he said that my writing is fine, I just need to do it. So now I'm ready to do it. Just wondering what the next step is. (And I'm out of contact with him. Otherwise I'd be bothering him right now!).
Thanks for any help you can offer to a clueless musician